Masaar Living

A Forest in Sharjah — 45 Minutes from Dubai and Worth Every Minute

Masaar is one of those places that genuinely surprises you. A lush, green woodland community in Sharjah's Al Suyoh district that feels nothing like the UAE around it — tall trees, wide shaded paths, and enough space to actually breathe. We have been for cycling days and we have been just to spend a slow afternoon outside, and both times it delivered. It is the kind of place that makes you realise how much you miss green space until you are standing in it.

The cycling is the main draw — a 6.6km looped circuit through the woodland, lit and open 24 hours, with bike rental from AED 50 per hour including helmets at The Loop café at the centre of the track. But even without bikes it is worth the drive. The playground is one of the coolest we have come across in the UAE, there is a skate park, food trucks, and plenty of shaded spots to sit and do nothing in particular.

About 45 minutes from Dubai, free to visit, free parking on site.

Insider tip: arrive early on weekends — the car park is small and fills up fast. Weekday mornings are the sweet spot for a quieter, more peaceful visit.